Spanish Army to invest 15 million euros in grenades procurement.

On February 8, 2024, the Spanish Army Procurement Board initiated a tender for a framework agreement concerning the acquisition of 40x53mm grenades for LAG-40 and MK19, amounting to slightly over 15 million euros. This agreement, slated to span two years, supplants the prior agreement from 2020, which spanned four years with an allocation of just under six million euros, as well as the 2017 agreement, which lasted three years with a budget of 3.8 million euros.
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The LAG-40 40mm grenade launcher was used by the Spanish Army's "Rey Alfonso XIII" II Brigade during a real fire exercise. (Picture source: Spanish MoD)

The surge in funding is largely attributed to revelations stemming from the conflict in Ukraine, indicating that existing stockpiles in arsenals would scarcely endure a few hours under the intensity of battles witnessed in the European theater.

The tender encompasses three distinct lots. The first lot is designated for 40x53mm high-explosive (HE) grenades, with an allocated sum of 5,361,856.67 euros. The second lot pertains to 40x53mm high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP) grenades, for which a budget of 8 million euros has been earmarked. Finally, the third lot is intended for 40x53mm tracer exercise (TP-T) grenades, with a budget of 1.6 million euros.

The contract, finalized by the Army Contracting Board, centers on the acquisition of 40x53mm grenades for LAG-40 and MK-19 40mm automatic grenade launchers, with an estimated value totaling 15,036,670 euros. This contract, conducted under harmonized regulations, comprises three distinct lots. Lot 1 involves the procurement of 40 X 53 MM HE (High Explosive) grenades, valued at approximately 5,361,856.67 euros. Lot 2 focuses on 40 X 53 MM Perforating HEDP (High Explosive Dual Purpose) grenades, with an estimated value of 8,017,656.67 euros, and a similar execution site. Lot 3 pertains to the acquisition of 40 X 53 MM Tracer TP-T (Target Practice – Tracer) Exercise grenades, with an estimated value of 1,657,156.66 euros.

This reinforcement of the Spanish Army capabilities follows a wider trend in Europe to strengthen military readiness, as demonstrated by almost every country in Europe, but also demonstrated by the 2023 EU Capability Development Priorities document, which reflects the European Union's efforts to address the urgent ammunition needs highlighted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The EU's strategic reassessment, encapsulated in the revision of the Capability Development Plan (CDP), reflects an adaptation to the evolving security landscape.

The European Union has taken significant steps to address the urgent ammunition needs amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This document presents the outcome of the revision of the Capability Development Plan (CDP). It reflects the changes in the EU’s strategic environment, political guidance provided by the Strategic Compass as well as lessons observed from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

This results in a set of revised Capability Development Priorities which will serve as the central reference for defense planning EU-wide and the baseline for all defense-related initiatives and instruments such as the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the European Defence Fund (EDF) and any future EU Defence supporting tools.

Since 2008, the European Defence Agency has been regularly updating its CDP in close cooperation with its Member States and with the active contributions of the EU Military Committee and the EU Military Staff. The 2023 review resulted in 14 priorities across the five military domains, and a further 8 categorized under strategic enablers and force multipliers.

Concerning ammunition needs, it includes large caliber ammunition war stockpiles, and adequate quantities of large caliber ammunition (artillery, mortar, anti-tank) war stockpiles. Weapons, arms, and equipment with increased lethality and accuracy, adequate quantities, and the development of small arms, light weapons, and night vision devices will contribute to increased lethality and accuracy. Soldier mobility will also benefit from lighter individual equipment while adapting and developing non-lethal engagement tactics, techniques, and procedures which will be designed to support decision-making in all possible scenarios. Upgrade of current air defense systems, including C-RAM (Counter rocket, artillery, and mortar), MANPADS (man-portable air-defense systems), very Short-range, Medium Range Air Defence systems (VSHORAD); the decommissioning of Soviet-era air defense systems; the upgrade of effectors; the integration in multi-layered IAMD systems. Shared stocks and common warehousing to enhance operational readiness. Improving standardization and interoperability of consumables and the exchangeability of spare parts.